Lewandowski apologizes, convinces coach Xavi to stay

Spain striker Robert Lewandowski met privately twice to convince Xavi to stay, despite the coach having announced his departure at the end of this season.

On January 28, a day after Xavi announced he would leave Barca at the end of the season, Lewandowski met with the coach to ask him to reconsider. Xavi thanked him, but insisted that his decision had been made.

Dissatisfied with this, a day later Lewandowski continued to meet with the Spanish coach. Here, the 35-year-old striker once again expressed his disappointment with the coach's decision, apologized and admitted that the culprits causing Barca's crisis were the players. Lewandowski said that he and his teammates had declined a lot compared to last season, when the team won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.

According to RAC1, after the second meeting with Xavi, Lewandowski also organized a meal at home with his teammates. They pledged to come closer together, unite and play well in the remaining matches of the season.

Lewandowski (left) will play under coach Xavi from the beginning of the 2022-2023 season, at Barca. Photo: EPA — Lewandowski (left) will play under coach Xavi from the beginning of the 2022-2023 season, at Barca. Photo: *EPA*

Ilkay Gundogan also admitted he was sad about the decision of Xavi, who shares his views on football. However, the German midfielder considered it a personal decision and believed there was no reason to interfere.

After Barca lost 3-5 to Villarreal on January 27, Xavi announced that he would leave Barca at the end of the season. The 43-year-old coach will leave a year earlier than his contract, but confirmed that he will not receive compensation. Previously, Xavi led Barca since November 2021, winning one La Liga and one Spanish Super Cup.

Barca are fourth in La Liga 2023-24, with 44 points after 21 games, level on points with Atletico and only behind on goal difference. Girona are top with 55 points, but have played one game more, while Real Madrid are second with 54 points. Barca also lost 4-1 to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final and 4-2 to Bilbao in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.

Xavi's side will face Napoli in the Champions League round of 16 on February 21 and March 12. They have reached this round for the first time after two consecutive years of being eliminated in the group stage.

Last season, Lewandowski scored 33 goals in 46 games for Barca, including 23 goals that helped him become La Liga's top scorer. However, after 29 games this season, the 35-year-old striker has only scored 13 goals. These numbers are much worse than Lewandowski's time at Bayern, where he contributed 344 goals in 375 games.

Thanh Quy (according to RAC1 )

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